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House speaker calls for new budget rules

DENVER — GOP House Speaker Frank McNulty says state revenues are too optimistic and he’s calling for additional cuts in next year’s budget.

Lawmakers say they will have to cut at least $1.1 billion from the estimated $19.1 billion budget beginning July 1, but McNulty says they need to add another $195 million in cuts now.

He says lawmakers are being forced to cut $300 million in just four months this year because estimates were overly optimistic. He says lawmakers should have a cushion in case the estimated revenue is off next year.

The House Finance Committee is expected to take up the proposal today.